Attention Gemini Users:
A new version of the Gemini IRAF package (v1.13) is now available. This release is required for processing GMOS-South Hamamatsu CCD data and includes configuration files and examples. Please see Gemini’s Processing Software page for more information.
The Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) is currently completing the last campaign observing run of the 2014-B semester, delivering excellent data to Gemini’s planet hunter community.
During this last run it is expected to observe about 40 young stars looking for planets orbiting these stars, as part of the GPI Exoplanet Survey.
Instrument performance is meeting expectations, and we expect demand for GPI to continue expanding. Thus, for semester 2015-A, GPI is scheduled for 20% of the Gemini South telescope’s available time.
Gemini’s Public Information and Outreach Manager Peter Michaud presented the keynote address on Saturday at a luncheon honoring Hawai‘i teachers currently nominated for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). About 60 dignitaries, past awardees, and Hawai‘i Department of Education leaders, joined in the celebration.
Peter’s presentation, focusing on how local teachers touch the future and inspire the next generation of explorers, concluded by demonstrating the expanding universe, and Dark Energy, using balloons and magic markers. Watch this blog to follow the local teachers when they travel to Washington DC, and are honored by the President. PAEMST is funded by the National Science Foundation and supported locally by Hawaiian Electric Company Inc.
Laser propagation at Gemini South with the Gemini Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS). Click for larger image.
Despite weather constrains and limitations in laser power, the Gemini Muti-Conjugate Adaptive Optics Systems (GeMS) recently completed a successful run, delivering lots of great data for users. According to Gemini astronomer Rodrigo Carrasco, the adaptive optics performance was good and uniform in the entire Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) field of view. The resolution varied between 65 milli-arcseconds and 85 milli-arcseconds.
During the run, the GeMS team completed a Large and Long Program lead by Principal Investigator and senior observer Dr. Tobias Fritz. Fritz is a postdoc at the University of Virginia.
Fritz leads an investigation aiming to constrain our galaxy’s shape and mass. His team is using GeMS/GSAOI to study the proper motions for a variety of stars in dwarf galaxies and globular clusters in the halo of the Milky Way.
1/24/15 Update!
Pictures from Saturday’s event (click on images to see larger version):
This Saturday (January 24th) is the 15th anniversary of the Astronaut Onizuka Science Day at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.
Click on image to view larger version.
The event is free and open to the public and features displays by many of the island’s leaders in science and technology. Exciting interactive workshops for Grades 4-12 students, parents, and teachers are also scheduled throughout the day but space is limited so be sure to fill out your free registration as early as possible (before Saturday if possible).
Gemini is a proud participant in the Onizuka Day activities so come visit for free handouts, fun spectroscopy activities, and Celestia (a space exploration simulator).
Time 8:00 am – 12:45 pm for exhibits. Workshops and other activities are scheduled from 9:30 am -3:15 pm.
We hope enjoy the images below of past Onizuka Day events and plan to be part of the picture for this Saturday’s event!
